[Yak] Is an NWT for me?

[alex wetmore]

On Sat, 24 Sep 2005, John S.  Allen wrote:
> I have seen a recent NWT which looked as though it could go either
> way -- it was equipped with the 406 mm rims but also with
> linear-pull brakes that had long brake-shoe slots, and enough
> clearance so the 451 mm rims could be used.  I don't see this
> feature described in the BF catalog, though I certainly find it
> interesting.

A lot of the earlier NWT's could go either way.  I've worked on some
with diamond frames that had threaded in cantilever studs and threads
for them at positions for both 406mm and 451mm rims.  My NWT came with
75mm reach brakes and 406mm rims, but you could run 49mm reach brakes
and 451mm rims if you wanted narrower tires.

406mm tires can be very fast.  The Conti Grand Prix and Schwalbe
Stelvio are two narrow and high pressure, low rolling resistance tires
made in this size.  The 47-406mm Avocet Fasgrip tires that I use on my
NWT look wide, but have a lower rolling resistance than many of the
touring tires that I've used on 700C wheels (judging by rolldown
speeds).

alex